Latest news with #TariEason
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston Rockets Not Prioritizing Kevin Durant Contract Extension
Houston Rockets Not Prioritizing Kevin Durant Contract Extension originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Kevin Durant's future in Houston isn't a pressing matter, at least not yet. According to a new report, the Rockets are not prioritizing an extension for the two-time Finals MVP this summer, instead focusing on other offseason business. While Durant remains a central piece of Houston's title ambitions, both sides are reportedly content to take a patient approach before entering serious contract talks. "There's not a sense of urgency to get it done right now. The Rockets have other business that they need to handle this summer," said ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "Primarily, the extension for Tari Eason. It was a big splash; it was a potential final piece that they needed to be a real-deal contender, that go-to guy they were sorely missing last season." As it stands, Kevin Durant is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, meaning that he could leave the Rockets after just one season with the team. While the 36-year-old legend is the Rockets' best player (26.6 points per game last season), the organization is not rushing to commit the next five years to the 2x Finals MVP. "They didn't push all their chips in; they were very patient as far as the pursuit of a trade for Kevin Durant. They waited until the price was at a value that they felt was comfortable for them," MacMahon continued. "Kevin Durant's their best player, he's not necessarily their priority. That's not an insult to him, but their priority is making sure they have as long of a runway as possible while trying to cash in on this window that they created by getting Kevin Durant." On his way out of Phoenix, Kevin Durant was actively working to hand-select his next destination. Despite no promise of a max extension, he chose the Rockets and left his NBA future open-ended. "Both sides want that to be more than a one-year window, but it's not gonna be a max extension. If that was the priority for Kevin Durant, it would've been done in conjunction with the trade, and he probably wouldn't have ended up in Houston. So, I think you'll see both sides take a patient approach.' Both sides are seemingly testing the waters on their next partnership. For Durant, he's still unsure what this tenure in Houston might bring. While he's optimistic about his team's title chances, he has an out next summer if things go horribly wrong, and history tells us he won't be shy about using it. For the Rockets, it would normally be ideal to secure a superstar for as long as possible, but they are not entirely convinced about how he'll fit with their younger roster. At nearly 40 years old, Houston isn't willing to sacrifice the stability of their young core to appease Kevin Durant. For both Durant and the Rockets, their entire partnership hinges on what happens in the 2025-26 campaign. If they can top their performance from last season and make a deep playoff run in the West, it could be all they need to agree on a long-term extension. Ultimately, both sides are in a feeling-out process. Durant is betting on Houston to give him one last legitimate shot at a title, while the Rockets are betting that his star power can elevate their promising young roster. If this season delivers on that potential, the groundwork will be there for a longer commitment. If not, this could end up being just another short stop in Durant's winding Hall of Fame story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, NBA and NBPA donate over $2 million relief funds for central Texas floods
Texas flash floods situatio, Image via Getty The recent floods in Texas have ravaged its central region. The catastrophic floods have changed the course of life of common people overnight. From raising questions about disaster management and emergency alerts to criticizing Donald Trump's take on the National Weather Service, the Texans are adversely affected by tropical storm Barry on July 3, 2025. During the devastating situation, the NBA , NBPA, and clubs, including the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets, donated over $2 million for the Texas flood relief fund. NBA clubs Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs donate $2 million for Texas flood relief fund The devastating flash floods in Texas have diverted the attention of the world. The poor state of the flood-prone region in Texas has brought the sports fraternity together. Recently, the NBA and NBA Players Association came together with prominent Texas 'clubs, including the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs, with respect to Texas flood relief funds. Reportedly, the collective contribution can easily support the immediate recovery of people affected by the Texas flood. NBA and NBA players association went on to release a statement on Monday, which mentioned— "The NBA Family is heartbroken by the loss of life and the devastation caused by the flooding across the Texas Hill Country. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders and volunteers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ford&Go. Extra Bonus di € 1.500 e prima rata a ottobre. Ford Italia Scopri di più Undo Amid so much sorrow, we are inspired by the strength of the Texas community as it comes together during this incredibly difficult time. In that spirit, the NBA, the NBPA, the Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs are joining together to provide more than $2 million to support immediate and long-term relief to those most impacted. " Texas flooding: LIVE updates on Kerr County floods, deaths, search for missing According to the latest update, reputed NFL teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, each donated $500,000. Whereas popular MLB teams Texas Rangers and Houston Astros donated around $1 million for the Texas flash flood relief fund. More than 140 people were already killed and multiple were displaced over the July 4th weekend in Central Texas. The Texas flash floods began on July 4, triggered by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, causing the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Also Read: Houston Rockets' star Tari Eason's mother Teroya Eason reacts to Elon Musk's controversial claims about US President Donald Trump Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets' New Depth After Signing Clint Capela And Dorian Finney-Smith In Free Agency
Rockets' New Depth After Signing Clint Capela And Dorian Finney-Smith In Free Agency originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Rockets hit the ground running in the free agency market as they acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and former Rocket Clint Capela within the first few hours of free agency. Dorian Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Rockets, and Capela signed a three-year, $21 million deal. These are the new additions to the frontcourt that was already logjammed with young and veteran talent like Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and more. Advertisement Following these acquisitions, let's take a look at the roster depth of the Rockets for each position (in order of preference for the position). Point Guards (PG): Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday Shooting Guards (SG): Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore Small Forwards (SF): Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nate Williams Power Forwards (PF): Jabari Smith Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, Jeff Green Centers (C): Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Clint Capela, Jock Landale If the Rockets can figure out a way to retain Cam Whitmore on this team, this roster depth makes them look nearly destined for a championship within the next two seasons. But according to Yossi Gozlan, the NBA salary cap analyst, financial restrictions will force them to most likely waive Jock Landale and trade Whitmore. Are The Rockets Still Title Contenders Without Whitmore? Yes, the Rockets are still considered one of the frontrunners from the Western Conference to make a run for the NBA championship in the 2025-26 season. Whitmore was not crucial to the team last season, but he is a valuable young asset for the team with tremendous upside and potential to grow. Advertisement Averaging just 16 minutes per game in the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 35.5%. Analysts across the country were shocked to see him fall to the 20th pick when the Rockets drafted him. They should look for a way to retain him on the team if possible, like waiving Landale and Nate Williams or trading Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday instead. But the latter is unlikely since they both signed a one-year veteran minimum contract with the team only a few days ago. Related: Rockets Still In Sweepstakes For Giannis Antetokounmpo Or Jaylen Brown Even After Kevin Durant Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rockets Guarantee $122 Million Contract To 6'10 Big; Still Have $80 Million Space To Extend Kevin Durant
Rockets Guarantee $122 Million Contract To 6'10 Big; Still Have $80 Million Space To Extend Kevin Durant originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Rockets have hit the ground running in the offseason and have now locked in another key piece in their frontcourt. They extended Jabari Smith Jr to a five-year $122 million contract that keeps him with the team till the end of the 2030-31 season. Advertisement Jabari Smith Jr., the former No. 3 overall pick in the draft, is the only player of the 2022 Draft Class with 2500 points and 1500 rebounds in his NBA career so far. And he was drafted after the likes of Paolo Banchero (an All-Star) and Chet Holmgren (NBA champion). Smith has been stellar for the Rockets and a vital part of their rebuild under Ime Udoka over the last two seasons. During the 2024-25 season marred by a fractured left hand in January, Smith averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Smith has had trouble making three-pointers consistently, but during the playoffs, he showed promise by making 45.5% of his three-point attempts. The 6'10 former Auburn superstar could have held out for one more season, taken the All-Star leap potentially this season, and asked for much more money. He could've demanded a five-year $246 million extension if he did that. But he chose his financial security so that he could focus on team goals instead of worrying about himself in the coming season. Rockets' Luxury Tax Analysis: Kevin Durant And Tari Eason's Contract Extension Following Jabari Smith Jr, the next players up for a contract extension with the Rockets are Tari Eason and Kevin Durant. Tari Eason was the 17th pick in the same draft class as Smith Jr (2022). Durant is entering the final year of his $194 million contract that he signed with the Nets. He is going to earn $54.7 million in the coming season, as a result. Advertisement According to Cap Sheets, the Rockets are currently expecting a $133.9 million payroll for the 2026-27 season. Which, as per Yossi Gozlan, their NBA Salary Cap Analyst, is $80 million below the luxury tax threshold for that season. Thus giving the Rockets enough flexibility to offer Tari Eason a contract in the range of $17-$18 million per year, and Durant gets in the range of $45-$50 million per year, for multiple years from that point. The Rockets are also in a position to make more key trades this season. It was predicted that they could be in the race for any superstar to join forces with Kevin Durant in the coming season. It included players like Jaylen Brown and Giannis Antetokounmpo, or even LeBron James if their respective teams decide to listen to offers. The Rockets are on the verge of securing their long-term future and look like serious title contenders for the coming season. Related: Rockets Trade Idea To Acquire LaMelo Ball Might Be Huge Risk For Franchise This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
As Dillon Brooks exits, Tari Eason could seize larger role in Houston
'They love Tari Eason there,' ESPN's Brian Windhorst said after the Kevin Durant trade. 'He can be the guy that replaces Dillon Brooks as that key defender.' The Rockets finished the 2024-25 season with a 52-30 record and at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, so the blueprint of that group is worth following as Houston turns its attention to 2025-26. After this week's blockbuster trade, All-Star and former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Durant will replace Jalen Green as the leading scorer, so that swap should clearly be beneficial to Houston's 2025-26 odds. But what about losing veteran Dillon Brooks, a key defender who shot nearly 40% on 3-pointers last season? That's where fourth-year forward Tari Eason could play an important role. 'They love Tari Eason there,' ESPN's Brian Windhorst said. 'He can be the guy that replaces Dillon Brooks as that key defender.' After being drafted in the 2022 first round, Eason's development was somewhat paused in his second and third seasons due to ongoing issues related to a stress reaction in his lower left leg. He played just 22 games as a sophomore and was unavailable for most back-to-backs during the next season, which limited the 6-foot-8 forward to a total of 57 contests at 24.9 minutes per game. But in 2025-26, two years removed from the stress reaction, the expectation is for Eason to have no restrictions. In addition, the LSU product could have every financial incentive to play well, since his rookie-scale contract will expire after next season (and it's unclear if he will receive a contract extension this offseason). At 24 years old, Eason should be entering his prime NBA years, and the absence of Brooks should give him an opportunity to step into an even larger role. It's up to him to take advantage. In three NBA seasons to date, Eason has averaged 10.3 points (46.6% FG, 34.5% on 3-pointers), 6.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 22.8 minutes. With a long wingspan, relentless motor, and a keen eye for playmaking, Eason remains one of Houston's most active, versatile, and tenacious defenders, and head coach Ime Udoka will likely need to ask even more from him during the 2025-26 campaign. More: Rockets reportedly open to contract talks with Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr.
